Knoch Knolls path plans revealed

A parks open house on Knoch Knolls path drew only a few residents. (Jack McCarthy, for the Chicago Tribune)

A one-mile path proposed for Knoch Knolls Park drew no opposition at a recent open house on the Naperville Park District's master plan.

The public had expressed support for recreational paths at other gatherings, but this one attracted few residents.

"We've really didn't get any (feedback) in particular, it was just 'we want more trails,' " said Aileen McEldowney, a park district planner. "That's what it came down to. Nobody said anything like 'we want this or this, we just want the trails.' "

The trail would start at Will County Forest Preserve property at 95th St. and proceed northeast through Naperville Park District land. It would connect with the existing DuPage River Trail near the Knoch Knolls Nature center, now under construction and projected to open in September.

The forest preserve district "is going to construct it and we are providing the land," McEldowney said.

The project is a collaboration between the park district, forest preserve district and the Will County Department of Highways. Still to come is land appraisal and a trail layout for projected work in 2015.

Another agreement governing development and maintenance is expected sometime this year. The park district board is expected to consider approval of the trail in March.

The 2008 Trails Master Plan laid groundwork for the creation and coordination of a trail system. A 26-page draft update released late last week highlighted implementation of many trails or adjustments to the plan over the past five years,. including trails at Wildflower Park and the DuPage River Trail in 2010, a loop system in 2011 at Nike Sports Complex, a West Branch river trail and rail underpass in 2012.

The draft also highlighted other trails established since 2008 that were not part of the original master plan, including safe passage from 79th St. to the Green Valley Forest Preserve, a half-mile addition at Knoch Park South and improvement at Seager Park in the last decade.

Four new projects were implemented since 2012, including a nearly mile-long limestone trail at May Watts Park and improvements at Knoch Knolls North.

"We actually did pretty well in the five years since the plan was implemented," McEldowney said. "It didn't go on the shelf."

The draft update also looks 10 years ahead, expressing desires to "continue to plan for, construct and cooperate with all agencies to create safe trail opportunities in the community for all modes of travel, including pedestrians, joggers, bicyclists, inline skaters, strollers and wheelchairs."

The draft report recommends that park district staff review new amenities yearly and track existing systems. No new proposals for the next decade are pending.